State Capital Budgets Primer
This brief provides insight into where to look for state capital funding, who to connect with, and ideas to make your projects more competitive, given the numerous infrastructure needs across the country.
Main Streets can leverage many federal resources, but it can be difficult to identify the best program for your Main Street and prepare a competitive grant application. This resource from Main Street America offers a list of over 25 grant programs that can be used on Main Streets, with key information like eligible entities and matching requirements. The resource also offers tips and tricks for successfully capturing federal resources. This is Version 1 of this resource; it will be periodically updated to reflect the most up-to-date grant programs and related information.
Danville, Virginia © River District Association
Related Resources
Guide to Congressional Funding for Local Projects
Utilize this one-page resource with case studies from the Percent for Place coalition to plan your approach to advocating for these federal funds.
Washington, D.C. © Samuel Girven
Real Estate’s Small Problem
In this article, Patrice Frey explores how barriers to small-scale real estate development deals stymie growth and wealth building. She explains why building small matters, the problems faced by small-scale developers, opportunities for direct investment and greenhouse gas reduction, and more.
Community Development Block Grant Case Studies
Learn about the many ways in which CDBG dollars are used throughout Main Street communities, from building façade improvements, to green infrastructure, to public facility improvements, and much more.
Annual Report Hand-Outs
These sample annual reports show how you can condense key impact stats into a single page to use for marketing and outreach. Published by Lawrenceburg Main Street and Indiana Main Street.
Sponsorship Single Ask
Thibodaux Main Street implemented a single-ask to potential sponsors for its annual events. Rather than approaching sponsors several times per year, the single-ask approach simplifies sponsorships for both the sponsors and the Main Street organization.
Thibodaux, LA © Abigail LaCombe Photography
Work Planning Template
Work planning outlines tasks income, expenses, volunteer hours, staff hours, and outcomes. This template provides a step-by-step explanation of the work planning process.
Budget Template
Enter your income, expenses, and in-kind donations to create a budget and understand the financial health of your organization. Published by Indiana Main Street.
Sponsorship Pamphlet
Sponsorships are an important part of a balanced Main Street budget. They can be used to fund events and initiatives. To secure a robust set of sponsorships, Destination Huntingburg launches a yearly sponsorship campaign using the following pamphlet.
Huntingburg, IN © Chris Flook
Community Building and Partnerships
Use this toolkit from Colorado Main Street to guide you as you develop new partnerships and strengthen existing relationships to drive your community-based efforts.
Richmond, California © Ellen Gailing
Increasing Your Main Street’s Financial Stability
Learn how to convert your engaged supporters into active donors to provide financial stability for your organization. Published by Oregon Main Street.
Fund Development Toolkit
10 essential pillars of fund development that will lead your organization through the process of understanding your sustainability, organizing your development team, and choosing the best development tactics to raise funds. Published by Michigan Main Street.
Tax Credits 101
National Trust for Historic Preservation experts share how non-profits can use tax credits to protect historic buildings and community assets.
Working with an Advocacy Coalition
Watch this webinar to learn how non-profits can work with other organizations, activists, and research groups to achieve advocacy goals.
Community Engagement for Main Street Transformation
Learn how to launch or strengthen your community engagement efforts, including actionable tools to put to use in your own community.
Memorandum of Understanding
Use this template to create a memorandum of understanding you can use with partner organizations.
Applying for Federal Funding
Watch this webinar to learn tips and best practices for applying for federal funding to support historic preservation and downtown revitalization.
Town Gown is Fundamental
Watch this webinar to learn how cities and Main Streets can cultivate partnerships with local higher education institutes to advance strategic goals.
Why Aren’t You Asking for Year End Gifts?
Watch this webinar to learn how to implement an effective annual appeal to raise community donations for your non-profit.
Storytelling and Main Street
Explore the ways that the Sweet Auburn district in Atlanta, Georgia has used storytelling and history to preserve their culture and advance their downtown revitalization efforts. Published in Main Street Now Journal.
How Not to Run a Crowdfunding Campaign
Kristi Trevarrow shares the obstacles of navigating the crowdfunding universe as Rochester, Michigan, sought to raise money for its huge holiday event, The Big, Bright Light Show.
Engaging the Future to Preserve the Past
Learn how Main Street downtown preservation organizations can build strong youth engagement programs to support the next generation of leadership. Published in Main Street Now Journal. Written by Katelin Olson and Sue Starkweather-Miller.
Fundraising Sources for Non-Profits
A list of potential funding sources commonly used by non-profit organizations.
Youth on Main Street
Learn how youth groups give young people a chance to share what they want for downtown.
Clinton, TN